Officials' Mentoring Program

In an effort to help newer officials improve competence, the mentoring program supplements the assessment and development program. The purpose of this is to arrange for qualified and experienced officials (mentors) to commit some of their time to new first or second year officials (proteges) who have a real desire for self-improvement and a willingness to learn and take direction. The protege should hold their mentor in the highest personal regard and appreciate the mentor's shared time and knowledge of the game.

Mentoring Program Guidelines:

• Participation is strictly voluntary, but mentors will be paid a game fee by WPASOA upon completion of their responsibilities;

• No more than two proteges per mentor will be assigned;

• The Mentoring Program Coordinators will make mentoring assignments on a selected basis. Criteria for selection include experience, competence and a willingness to coach proteges.

• Mentors should make themselves available by phone, text or email throughout the season to field proteges' questions. Note: Any questions on rules that cannot be identified in the NFHS rulebook are to be directed to WPASOA's Interpreters,

• Mentors will be required to attend at least one full game the protege officiates. The mentor is to evaluate the protege' s performance and share constructive feedback using the WPASOA Officials Improvement Form as a guide;

• Protege will be required to observe at least one full game their mentor officiates;

• Protege should utilize their mentor for suggestions, feedback, to discuss situations in games, tips, advice, etc. throughout the season;

• Mentor and protege are to try and officiate at least one game together during the soccer season. This could be a pre-season scrimmage or Play Day game.

Mentors:

• Group 1 or IA officials who wish to participate

• Stay with their protege the whole season

• Link up and share concerns, etc. at WPASOA meetings, clinics, etc.

• Must attend and observe a protege's full game and share constructive criticism, using the WPASOA Officials Improvement Form as a guide

• Try and officiate together on a BOCES game, JV preferred. (BOCES' cooperation is needed here).

• Provide their protege with their game schedule, and revisions, throughout the season

• Will be paid a game fee by WPASOA upon satisfactory completion of the above.

Proteges:

• Will stay with mentor the whole season

• Ask questions, suggestions, help, feedback, etc. during the season

• Link up and share concerns, etc. at WPASOA meetings, clinics, etc.

• Must attend and observe 1 full varsity game of the mentor's

• Will provide the mentor with their game schedule and keep the mentor advised of changes to their schedule as the season progresses

• Must have a desire for self-improvement and a willingness to be open and accept constructive feedback.